Acts announced for John Martyn

The first batch of artists to play The John Martyn Tribute Festival were announced at a launch party in Dublin at one of the city’s premiere music venues, The Workman’s Club.

The first batch of artists to play The John Martyn Tribute Festival were announced at a launch party in Dublin at one of the city’s premiere music venues, The Workman’s Club.

Artists such as Mick Pyro (Republic of Loose), Leslie Dowdall (In Tua Nua), John Martyn Tribute album contributor Ultan Conlon from Galway, multi instrumentalist and producer The Man Whom, Kilkenny songbird, Deetrich (Reekus Records) and Waterford musician Kevin Power will descend to Thomastown on September 15 and 16. The two-day festival follows on from a hugely successful one day event in 2011. Each artist will be joined by Johns long time band over the festival weekend to perform songs from decades of John’s career such as ‘May You Never’, ‘Over The Hill’, ‘I Don’t Wanna Know’ and more along with their own original material.

Speaking at the launch festival organiser, Eva Lynch stated “We are delighted to extend the festival to a two-day event this year and very excited to be bringing so many new acts to Thomastown, where John spent the remaining years of his life. This is the first of a number of announcements we plan to make in the lead up to the festival”.

Ultan Conlon, The Man Whom and Deetrich performed live at The Workman’s Club and paid tribute to the legend, John Martyn. Last year, Glen Hansard, Paddy Casey, Iarla O’ Lionard and Mick Hanly amongst others performed at the festival on the day of John’s birthday, September 11.

Remembering last year’s event, The Man Whom (Ian Doyle) said “My most enjoyable gig ever. To share a stage with John’s band was a master class in musical intuition. It was terrifying but equally exhilarating and welcoming. To meet the man’s lovely, kind and gentle partner Teresa, to eat at his table and sit on his toilet will forever be one of the most surreal experiences of my life,” he said.

The John Martyn Tribute Festival takes place in Carroll’s Market Yard, Thomastown on September15 and 16. A limited amount of 1,500 tickets went on sale last Friday via ticketmaster.ie, Rollercoaster Records Kilkenny and The Book Centre, Kilkenny. Visit www.johnmartyn.com for more details.

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